Report: Initial tests suggest Rodgers will miss about three weeks

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 5, 2013, 9:04 AM EDT

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The Packers have not stated definitively what type of injury quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered on Monday night, and they’re not expected to have any announcement until he undergoes further tests today. But at the moment, it looks like Rodgers will miss about three weeks.

That’s the word from Adam Schefter of ESPN, who reports that initial tests showed a small fracture in Rodgers’ collarbone. The Packers’ medical staff will put Rodgers through a more thorough investigation today.

If Rodgers does miss three weeks, that would mean he’s out for Sunday against the Eagles, Week 11 at the Giants and Week 12 against the Vikings. He’d then be a close call to return for the Packers’ Thanksgiving game at Detroit, a game in which first place in the NFC North may be on the line.

Obviously, any injury to Rodgers is very bad news for the Packers, but given that schedule, the Packers may actually breathe a sigh of relief if Rodgers only misses three games. It’s not unrealistic to think Green Bay could go 2-1 against the Eagles, Giants and Vikings without Rodgers, and if they get Rodgers back and complete a season sweep of the Lions on Thanksgiving, they’ll be in very good shape in their division heading into December.

However, a report from Ed Werder of ESPN sounded less optimistic. Although Werder’s source said there’s simply no way to know about Rodgers’ status based on the tests that have been done so far, that source said, “It doesn’t look good. This is the one we couldn’t afford to lose.”

No injury to Rodgers looks good. But if the tests today confirm that Rodgers is out three weeks, the Packers would still have every reason to be optimistic about the rest of the season.

I’m cautiously optimistic. A sports medicine doctor commented on twitter that him not being in a sling was a very good sign, which seems reasonable. That would probably fit with what Schefter was reporting.

As far as Werder’s report, as far as I know, swelling doesn’t obscure an x-ray from seeing a broken bone. So the Packers know whether its broken or not.

Obviously three weeks would be tough without him, but it’s more manageable.

If he’s out longer, the silver lining on that cloud is that 1.) it’s not his throwing shoulder, so he should be back next year with no issues; 2.) The Packers will get a high draft pick and hopefully can stay healthier next year.

Really if they couldn’t beat the bears. Bears rank 2 or 3 in the league on putting points on the board. They have 2 of the top 5 receivers. And possibly the best all purpose back in the league but yeah if they can’t beat the bears smh

Get Matt Flynn back now, dump Wallace where he belongs, on the retired list. I think even VY was better, at least he appeared to pay attention, and give a damn. I thought SW was going to lay down and take a nap on the field. He must have had some really good friends on the other sideline. As for McCarthy, get him off the sidelines where he can’t call a game or challenge a call to save his life, and let him run practices, and nothing more. Why is it so hard to manage a game from the sidelines, or call a decent game, or is that just MM’s problem. He is completely predictable.

Seems like all of the ‘experts’ are ignoring the fact that the Packers Oline couldn’t stop the pass rush after Rogers was hurt…And that their defense allowed the Bears offense to go up and down the field…
I know the NFL likes their ‘charter’ teams to do well since they are the only ones they talk about…
But losing Rogers isn’t the Packers only problem.
But it was cute the way the ‘experts’ on espn started making excuses for them right after the game!
They even had a graph to show all their injuries!
I don’t remember them giving Seattle the same consideration the week before…And they won!

osiris33 says:Nov 5, 2013 9:46 AM

And home field advantage throughout the playoffs in the NFC goes to… The Seattle Seahawks

Relax opposing teams. They play 3 trashy and inconsistent teams. Wallace looked so horrible because he’s not thrown an NFL pass since 2011, and has been in the system for really no time at all. He hasn’t even got reps. They have a running game. a moderate pass game, and eating clock with the Clay Maker on the mend as well as Perry, they can very well go 3-0 at the worst 2-1. Vikings and Bears fans, realize that while Rodgers is out, you still are the Bears and Vikings.

jbusch415 says:Nov 5, 2013 10:03 AM

Time for my Lions to make the move to the top

okemon says:Nov 5, 2013 10:04 AM

I’m a Viking Fan, but hated to see Rodgers taken out with the injury. I hope his recovery is full and he comes back as soon as possible.

uwsptke says:Nov 5, 2013 10:06 AM

Silver Linings – The Packers can still run the ball against teams playing 8 men in the box. And McCarthy can get crafty when given a week to prepare. Matt Flynn nearly beat Tom Brady in NE in 2010 after looking horrible when he stepped in against the Lions the game before when Rodgers left with a concussion.

The biggest problem with Seneca Wallace is that every team will bring 8 and the Packers will lose their running game, too. The only game I’d feel reasonably confident that the Packers could win in the next three without Rodgers is the Viking game. If Foles/Philly is a shell of themselves they’ll hang 30 on a suspect Packer’s defense by halftime.

In the words of Bart Scott, “They can’t stop a nose bleed.” Was a rough game to watch as a family of Packer fans.

Seneca Wallace looked beyond awful yesterday. Vince Young would have been a thousand times better.

realitypolice says:Nov 5, 2013 10:20 AM

ma5terbla5t3r says:
Nov 5, 2013 9:09 AM
It’s time for McCarthy and TT to admit they were wrong. Bring back Brett, have him with the SB, and trade damaged good Rodgers for picks the way they did to Brett.

Quite possibly the most bizarre comment in the history of this site.

All-American Voltron says:Nov 5, 2013 10:20 AM

Considering how insecure Rodgers is, the Packers are probably thinking for the long-term, its best they go 0-3 during this stretch even if it means missing the playoffs.

I think McCarthy and Thompson realize Rodgers is a happier and therefore better QB if the Packers are able to tell Rodgers how worthless they are without him.

I agree, the Packers are actually worse than the Vikings with Rodgers injured. This may be the set back this team didnt need to knock them out of the playoff race in that division.

realitypolice says:Nov 5, 2013 10:22 AM

The Packers and their fans are about to find out what several other franchises have already learned the hard way. The idea of what Seneca Wallace should be capable of based upon his experience and what he shows in practice is vastly different from the reality of Seneca Wallace on the field in an actual game.

They have to try and get Flynn via waivers. You need someone that knows the offense but also someone that has played real NFL games. Tolzien fits the first but not the second.

Wallace will get to start the next game but doesn’t appear to have the arm strength to keep teams from sitting 8 in the box. Flynn and Tolzien have slightly better arms and i think most likely would be starting within 2 games.

jayniner says:Nov 5, 2013 10:29 AM

And after seeing Seneca Wallace in that half-assed attempt at playing football last night, the Packers should be praying that Matt Flynn even wants to come back to Green Bay after getting booted the way he did…

This is exactly why I am shocked they didn’t bring in Matt Flynn. Flynn showed he was a product of their system, and they should have brought him back once he proved he can’t start anywhere else. Big mistake and if Rodgers misses more time than the 3 weeks I’d expect it to cost them.

Let’s see, we don’t really know what the injury is yet, but we do know that it’s a 3 week injury. AMAZING!!!

ruvelligwebuike says:Nov 5, 2013 10:32 AM

In the MM era, they have played their best ball when they seemed dead in the water. If it’s three weeks, I’m sure the Pack can split between the Eagles and Giants.

All I want after that is to do the usual pounding of the worthless Vikings at Lambeau without Rodgers. Then what I want after that is for Minnesotans to be exposed for the passive aggressive, horrible beings that they are.

Nevermind, the world has known that for decades. Merry Christmas to me, I guess.

Ya and if I’m lucky Santa will bring me a new red Mercedes convertible and a great new insurance policy from Obamination care.

The Packers are 5-3, they lose the next three, its 5-6 going into Detroit. they lose there its 5-7, season over pal. This team is Rogers, period. Yes they have a running game but that game only works if they have a passing game. Teams will stuff the run now that they know, there is no one to toss the ball too.

Too bad he didn’t havet his two weeks ago they may have had a chance but lets be honest: the Bears and Lions are vastly improved and will go 1,2 in th division with or without Rogers.

purpleguy says:Nov 5, 2013 10:52 AM

This is a tough break for the Pack and it is a shame as they would have walked away with the NFCN. After 20 years of QB bliss, unfortunately, for the next 3 weeks Pack fans will get an inkling of what it’s like to be a Viking fan.

It’s not unrealistic to think Green Bay could go 2-1 against the Eagles, Giants and Vikings without Rodgers
———————————-
It’s completely unrealistic. They lost against a team with a bad defense and also playing a backup QB. They will now struggle to be a wild card team.

It’s a good thing that The Great Ted Thompson had such a well thought out plan for developing a backup quarterback this year.

————————————————–
That plan changed drastically when Coleman and Harrel were due pay raises. He got rid of them and brought it a guy who was already cut by two teams this pre season, and he was only competing for a third place QB position on those teams.

Ted Thompson is the ultimate tight a___. Not one of our dbacks could play for any other team in the NFL unless they were despirate for back ups due to injury. These guys are the worst in the league but hey, they came cheap.

atepper001 says:Nov 5, 2013 11:07 AM

nothing about rodgers quitting on the team? he came out without a sling, why isn’t anyone in the media or the p*ssies on twitter going after him as being a quitter or wimp? but when cutler has a grade 2 tear of his ACl, a tear of his groin or a concussion he takes a ton of heat.

mypoint02 says:Nov 5, 2013 11:17 AM

It’s hard to argue with many of the moves TT has made over the years. But how do you go into a season with no backup plan at QB – especially with Rodgers being one of the most sacked quarterbacks the last few seasons? Seneca Wallace was a desperation move when Harrell was an unsurprising bust. Ron Wolf used to draft a QB every year. TT has drafted one in the last five years (Coleman). It was just a matter of time before this caught up to them.

crownofthehelmet says:Nov 5, 2013 11:19 AM

Uh oh. I think that divisional round exit streak they have going is in jeopardy.

Just goes to show that a team is a Manning, Peterson, Brady, Brees away from a mess. Elite players are just that…indispensible.

realitypolice says:Nov 5, 2013 11:38 AM

jrmbadger says:
Nov 5, 2013 9:13 AM
I’m cautiously optimistic. A sports medicine doctor commented on twitter that him not being in a sling was a very good sign, which seems reasonable. That would probably fit with what Schefter was reporting.

I’ll try this again.

I’m not sure where that doctor got his degree, but you don’t use arm slings for broken collarbones. There is no need to immobilize the arm. When I broke both of my collarbones on the same play, I was given a harness that looped around my shoulders and connected at the back. With my shirt on, it was invisible. It was designed to keep my shoulders straight so the bones would knit properly.

Rogers could very well be wearing one in that picture and you wouldn’t see it.

jrmbadger says:
Nov 5, 2013 9:13 AM
I’m cautiously optimistic. A sports medicine doctor commented on twitter that him not being in a sling was a very good sign, which seems reasonable. That would probably fit with what Schefter was reporting.

I’ll try this again.

I’m not sure where that doctor got his degree, but you don’t use arm slings for broken collarbones. There is no need to immobilize the arm. When I broke both of my collarbones on the same play, I was given a harness that looped around my shoulders and connected at the back. With my shirt on, it was invisible. It was designed to keep my shoulders straight so the bones would knit properly.

Rogers could very well be wearing one in that picture and you wouldn’t see it.

sportnorcal says:Nov 5, 2013 11:52 AM

Thanks for crushing my hopes of a Fantasy 3 Peat Aaron. Get well soon.

Carl Gerbschmidt says:Nov 5, 2013 11:54 AM

purpleguy says:Nov 5, 2013 10:52 AM

This is a tough break for the Pack and it is a shame as they would have walked away with the NFCN. After 20 years of QB bliss, unfortunately, for the next 3 weeks Pack fans will get an inkling of what it’s like to be a Viking fan.

———

Fortunately for us, after 3 weeks, we go back to Aaron Rodgers, while you…well, you know what you have at QB.

And after seeing Seneca Wallace in that half-assed attempt at playing football last night, the Packers should be praying that Matt Flynn even wants to come back to Green Bay after getting booted the way he did
—————————-
What do you mean booted? He went to Seattle for a bunch of money and expecting to be starting qb. Nobody booted him.

Great, that will be the end of Movember and hopefully we won’t be assaulted by that kiddie porn star moustache any longer.

duece5 says:Nov 5, 2013 12:23 PM

bgrillz says: Nov 5, 2013 10:02 AM

Relax opposing teams. They play 3 trashy and inconsistent teams. Wallace looked so horrible because he’s not thrown an NFL pass since 2011, and has been in the system for really no time at all. He hasn’t even got reps. They have a running game. a moderate pass game, and eating clock with the Clay Maker on the mend as well as Perry, they can very well go 3-0 at the worst 2-1. Vikings and Bears fans, realize that while Rodgers is out, you still are the Bears and Vikings.

duece5 says:

Dude, do you realize you JUST got beat by the bears?? By their backup??
At home?

Even Ponder is looking forward to his date with the new packers.

Gotta love it…..if you think the pukes are going 3-0 with the mess they have at qb, you are on brat overload.

Even the Vikes would beat you guys pretty well. Put nine guys in the box…..game over. Seneca is AWFUL!!!!

And yes, we are very happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is only fitting that you guys have to deal with this, as there is SOOO much hate to Ponder, Cutler, and other foes.

It’s like the light bulb went off….FINALLY…..and someone said….holy crap…..WE NOW SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

duece5 says:Nov 5, 2013 12:25 PM

Carl Gerbschmidt says: Nov 5, 2013 11:54 AM

purpleguy says:Nov 5, 2013 10:52 AM

This is a tough break for the Pack and it is a shame as they would have walked away with the NFCN. After 20 years of QB bliss, unfortunately, for the next 3 weeks Pack fans will get an inkling of what it’s like to be a Viking fan.

———

Fortunately for us, after 3 weeks, we go back to Aaron Rodgers, while you…well, you know what you have at QB.

duece5 says:

Not so fast Carly…..all this “hope” for 3 weeks is well premature!!!!! Have heard it is 4-6 weeks!!!!!

Sorry DUDE!!!!!!!

Pack sucks!!!!!!!!!!

stinger124 says:Nov 5, 2013 12:37 PM

Tebow time!!!

contra74 says:Nov 5, 2013 12:57 PM

Packers are done with Rodgers. They looked like a turtle on its back trying to turn over out there last night. Their fans dont know what to do with themselves.

This should be interesting. The Packers looked like a solid bet to win the division and get healthy going into the playoffs. This certainly gives the Bears and Lions a chance to compete. Glad Im not the one sorting out the interim quarterback situation the next few weeks for The Packers. Might be tough to stay in the race. The Bears could back into a division title by week 17 and sit all their players out of fear of being blown out at home against a Packers team that is far superior to them – but thats football.

In the MM era, they have played their best ball when they seemed dead in the water. If it’s three weeks, I’m sure the Pack can split between the Eagles and Giants.

All I want after that is to do the usual pounding of the worthless Vikings at Lambeau without Rodgers. Then what I want after that is for Minnesotans to be exposed for the passive aggressive, horrible beings that they are.

Nevermind, the world has known that for decades. Merry Christmas to me, I guess.
_______

Are all you guys on drugs? Sure Flynn is WAY better then what they have now. look at what he has done.
Matt has started 1 game that was a 15 and 1 team. Sure he looked good. Since then what has he done……. That is right . Nothing
He is a FA. He SUCKS!!!!!!!
If he was any good he would NOT be a FA.

If the packers want to do anything good bring in Vince Young. or they will go 0 – 3 or more until Aaron comes back.
Then again the packers are probably better off without Rodgers. The Packers defense is so bad they have a ZERO shot at winning the super bowl anyway. It will give them a higher draft pick.

johngaltwho – if the Bears win the division, it will not be because they backed into anything. Rodgers did not miss almost the entire game because he hurt himself celebrating a TD. Shea McClellin drilled him into the ground and put him out. And they won without their starting QB, their starting Pro Bowl LB, their starting nickel from last year, their starting Pro Bowl DT, and their backup to their starting Pro Bowl DT. Oh, and the right side of the OL is made up of rookies. I would say the Bears earned whatever they get this season.

I did not imply that McClellin’s hit was dirty, it was a good solid play. Its just my opinion that the Bears, neither the one that took the field last night nor the one with all their starters is capable of beating a healthy Aaron Rodgers led Packers squad. You think Rodgers is only one score better than Seneca Wallace?

But neither championships nor division titles come with asterisks for injuries or bad calls by refs so hopefully for us – Rodgers comes back soon and we figure out an interim strategy better than the one we showed last night, and hopefully the Bears get healthy and maybe we can see a week 17 matchup in Soldier Field that matters. That’d be great!

rikker12 says:Nov 5, 2013 2:38 PM

Anytime a Hall of Fame or Pro Bowl QB goes down, for any team, it’s going to effect the way the team plays.
If Manning goes down… Denvers done.
Brady goes down… NE is done.
Brees goes down… NO is done.
Some teams have average starting QB’s and back-up QB’s, like Chicago does. With that, and good receivers, a dependable running game, you can beat teams that are depleted with injuries at every position. including QB.
GB will be fine. and once Rodgers comes back, we’ll be even better.

Rodgers will be back in three weeks. The man is tough. However, it wasn’t the sack that broke his collarbone. It was George Wendt biting his shoulder thinking it was a sausage in the State Farm commercial.